I have come into possession of an S&W M&P .38 Special, 1905/4th Change with grips that have no medallion. The bore and chambers are bright and corrosion free. There are no end shake or timing issues. The finish is original and better than 80%. The serial number 424199. Any conservative estimate on value and any guess as to the year of manufacture/shipment?
Another .38 M&P Serial Number Question
- Thread starter CW3RDL
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Serial number 424199 points to the first half of the 1920s. If it says Made in U.S.A. on the right side of the frame, it comes from sometime after mid-year, 1922. I'm guessing that stamp is not there.
Checkered walnut stocks with no medallion would be correct for a gun shipped in the 1920s.
I'm not willing to guess at the value, sight unseen. I'll leave that for more adventurous souls.
Checkered walnut stocks with no medallion would be correct for a gun shipped in the 1920s.
I'm not willing to guess at the value, sight unseen. I'll leave that for more adventurous souls.
Andy Lowry
Member
With 80% finish, I'd go about $300 on that, maybe $350 if the grips are original (which it sounds like they might be). One of the grips should have a serial number stamped on the inside.
It would be on the right hand panel. And that early, it would be written with a pencil. Impressions started a decade or so later.
Andys price is spot on as described. With that finish and grips.
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm going to gamble and guess the stamp is there before the OP tells us. I have a record of #412793 which interested me because it shipped to the Union Pacific, in 07/1922, after the MADE IN USA stamp started. I don't know whether it was stamped, but it is a clue these serials shipped after the start of stamping.
Based on the description, $300 would be a steal, anything below $400 reasonable. I do not find percentages very helpful, as wear on barrel and stocks indicating service wear is much less detrimental to value than the same amount of finish loss in other places due to neglect or improper storage. Pictures!
I have another four in. M&P .38 Special with a serial number 469359. It appears to be in great shape. The "made in U.S.A." stamp is on the right side of the frame. Is 1924 to late a date for this revolver to have been made?
DWalt
Member
On my list is 4274xx shipping in 12/22. From the M&P SNs I have listed, the MADE IN U.S.A. frame stamping must have begun in the 406xxx to low 407xxx SN range. Coincidentally, that was about the same SN range that the square notch rear sight appeared. Could have both happened simultaneously.
Regarding 469359, 4664xx shipped in 10/23 and 4686xx shipped in 3/24. That one probably shipped during the first half of 1924.
Regarding 469359, 4664xx shipped in 10/23 and 4686xx shipped in 3/24. That one probably shipped during the first half of 1924.
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